Contaminated Land

Description of Service

We have responsibility for developing and delivering the strategy to identify contaminated land within the Borough of Swindon and to ensure that it is made safe. We also comment on, visit and review current or proposed developments on brown field sites to ensure the works will not harm public health now or in the future.

Development on previously used land can be more complex so we offer a self-help leaflet offering further advice and guidance on tackling possible contamination issues. This is available as a downloadable pdf file:

Development of Potentially Contaminated Land - Guidance Note for Developers, Agents and Consultants (472Kb)

What is Land Contamination?

Land can become contaminated by substances that are hazardous to health causing pollution of the environment and damage to buildings and structures. Land becomes contaminated by various means, but most commonly it is a legacy of 200 years of industrial activity in Britain. There has been a long history of industrial activity in the Borough of Swindon.

If you are concerned about contamination on land and feel that an investigation is necessary, please contact us.

Service Levels

We aim to initially respond to your requests within two days of receiving them, although full investigation and testing will take longer. In some cases legal action may be necessary to enforce regulations.

Homeowners and prospective homebuyers that are affected by potential land contamination can also download our advice leaflet What Does Land Contamination Mean to Me?. The leaflet contains important advice and guidance.

Report a Problem

You can do this in a number of ways:

• Use the online facility to report contaminated land.
  
  
• By telephone to the StreetSmart Team at the Swindon Direct Contact Centre on 01793 445501. For details of the Contact Centre opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.
  
  
• In person, by visiting the Swindon Direct One-stop-shop. For details of the address and opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.